The term acquittal, when used in reference to criminal law, means that the criminal defendant has been cleared from all charges or accusations filed against them. In other words, through the legal process, the person was charged with some type of crime. And, through the court proceedings, it was found that the person was not responsible or that the charges were false in some way. An acquittal charge is a legal situation in which the individual is free from all charges and they may not, under United State's law be charged with the same crime a second type. The term may also be used to refer to the release or discharge from some type of duty. An acquittal is usually a final decision.